Dozens of rugby league players took to the field on the NSW south coast in an emotional tribute to one of their own “taken too soon” following a freak medical incident.
The Shellharbour Stingrays stepped out onto Di Gorman Oval in Albion Park on Saturday to honour 13-year-old Gervis Wililo, who died on Friday evening.
Emergency services found the Albion Park teenager after responding to reports that the rider of an e-bike suffered a fall while riding through Di Gorman Oval to the shops.
Only hours later, Gervis’ under-14 team made the painstaking decision to play on in honour of their teammate and following the match joined friends in an emotional haka.
The club took to Facebook on the same day to express its condolences to Gervis’ family while honouring the “well-liked” player who it said would be “greatly missed”.
“Gervis and his family have been valued members of Stingrays JRLFC for a number of years, so this is a particularly difficult time for everyone,” the club wrote on Saturday.
“Gervis was a well-liked and humble young man and this tragedy has deeply affected our Stingrays community and he will be greatly missed.
“We couldn’t be more proud of these boys, their coaching staff, and all their parents for the strength that was shown today.”
A fundraiser for Gervis’ family has so far raised almost $40,000 from 52 donations, with organiser Tyrone Amone saying the 13-year-old’s loss would be “felt indefinitely”.
“We lost a beloved friend, brother, and son in a tragic accident yesterday,” Mr Amone said.
“This is a heart-wrenching period of immense stress for the family.
“We would like to contribute by raising some funds to assist them.”
Warilla Lake South MRLFC, which contributed $500, wrote: “Our sincere condolences to Gervis’s family and friends”, while Jamberoo Junior Superoo Family donated another $500.
The local C3 Church also took to Facebook to mourn “a dear member of our church family”.
“Gervis Wililo was riding his scooter when he had a heart attack and passed away,” the church wrote online.
“We are grieving with the King family.”